Oh my: DeMint will try to force vote next week on the Fairness Doctrine

AllahpunditPosted at 9:12 pm on February 19, 2009

Doubtless it’ll be voted down, but it’s a perfect excuse for talk radio to raise the alarm bells and prime the public for the real battle to come — especially so soon on the heels of The One’s opposition to the Doctrine. Smart politics.

Sen. Jim DeMint announced that he will force a vote next week on a bill that prevents the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.

The South Carolina Republican’s bill, the Broadcaster Freedom Act, is cosponsored by John Thune, R-S.D., and 27 others and will be offered as an amendment to the D.C. Voting Rights bill…

Sen. DeMint stated: “I’m glad President Obama finally confirmed his opposition to the Fairness Doctrine, which attacks the right of free speech on talk radio, but many Democrats in Congress are still pushing it.

“With the support of the new administration, now is the time for Congress to take a stand against this kind of censorship. I intend to seek a vote on this amendment next week so every senator is on record: Do you support free speech or do you want to silence voices you disagree with?”

If you want to say thanks, here’s your chance. Better yet, use the opportunity to urge him to make sure “localism” is covered in his amendment. The Democrats aren’t stupid; when they try to reinstate Fairness, it won’t be called Fairness. Raising public awareness means, first and foremost, calling attention to the backdoor means of reintroducing the doctrine. If it’s done, it’ll be done by stealth, not by The One ramming it down our throats.